The New Jersey Department of Health has launched "Stay Well, Learn Well," a program to help students get school physicals and vaccinations. Major hospitals, county health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and school districts will hold local vaccination clinics and pediatric mobile health van events. Gov. Mikie Sherrill toured a mobile health van in Orange on Sept. 10.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has launched "Stay Well, Learn Well," a program to help students get school physicals, vaccinations and basic checkups before and after the start of the school year. On Sept. 10, Gov. Mikie Sherrill toured an RWJBarnabas Health pediatric mobile health van in Orange, Essex County, to promote the program.
Participants include major hospitals, state and county health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), local school districts and community organizations. The program has three main components: back-to-school vaccination clinics and pediatric mobile health van events in various communities where children can receive recommended vaccines, as well as community events that connect families with health care resources. They will be held across the state throughout the fall. Dates and locations will be posted in the community events calendar on the Department of Health's website.
Ahead of flu, COVID-19 and RSV season
Nobunit Sahu, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, said that flu, COVID-19 and RSV are expected to circulate together this fall and that measles is spreading in neighboring states, adding that vaccines are most effective when given before exposure. She added that New Jersey's vaccination recommendations follow the guidelines of medical organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA).
Mark Manigan, CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, the program's first participating organization, said the mobile health vans will go directly to where residents are. Gov. Sherrill said that as vaccination rates decline nationwide, New Jersey will make it easier for children to get the care they need.